Fixing Spinal Fractures Without Surgery -- Research Summary

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma is cancer that starts in the plasma cells in bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside most bones. It helps make blood cells. Plasma cells help your body fight infection by producing proteins called antibodies. In multiple myeloma, plasma cells grow out of control in the bone marrow and form tumors in the areas of solid bone. The growth of these bone tumors makes it harder for the bone marrow to make healthy blood cells and platelets.

SYMPTOMS:
Multiple myeloma causes a low red blood cell count. This makes you more likely to get infections and have abnormal bleeding. If the bones in the spine are affected, it can put pressure on the nerves, resulting in numbness or weakness of the arms or legs. Other symptoms include bleeding problems, brittle bones that are more likely to break, fatigue due to anemia, fevers without any other cause, and shortness of breath due to anemia. (Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). TREATMENT:
If you have multiple myeloma and aren't experiencing any symptoms, you may not need treatment. However, your doctor will regularly monitor your condition for signs the disease is progressing. If it is, you may need treatment. ( Source: The MayoClinic)
NEW TECHNOLOGY:
Balloon Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can repair spinal fractures. It takes about an hour per fracture level to treat a fracture with Balloon Kyphoplasty, and the procedure can be done on an outpatient or inpatient basis. Balloon Kyphoplasty can reduce or eliminate your back pain from a spinal fracture, as well as restore vertebral body height and proper alignment of your spine. Early and effective treatment (fixing the broken bone) may reduce the consequences of spinal fractures, especially those associated with other treatments, for example, prolonged bed rest or use of analgesics. Other benefits include sustained improvement in mobility, improvement in ability to perform activities of daily living, and improved quality of life. Although the complication rate with Baloon Kyphoplasty have been demonstrated to be low, as with most surgical procedures there are risks associated with the procedure, including serious complications. (Source: www.medtronic.com) MOREFixing Spinal Fractures Without Surgery -- Research Summary | Medical News and Health Information

third step:
Fixing Spinal Fractures Without Surgery -- In Depth Doctor's Interview | Medical News and Health Information